YFPHR has urged authorities to ensure accountability and adherence to human rights standards following the deployment of additional security forces in Manipur.
Imphal, June 9: The Youth’s Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) has expressed concern over the deployment of additional special security forces in Manipur, urging authorities to ensure that all security operations are conducted in accordance with constitutional safeguards and international human rights standards.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the organisation said the recent decision of the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to deploy special forces to address the prevailing law and order situation has raised important questions regarding civilian protection and accountability.
The forum recalled that a large number of alleged extrajudicial killing cases linked to counter-insurgency operations conducted under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) remain unresolved. According to the statement, 1,528 alleged cases of extrajudicial executions are still pending before the courts, with prosecution proceedings facing hurdles due to the non-granting of sanction by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
YFPHR claimed that no individual implicated in those cases has yet been held accountable through the criminal justice system.
Against this backdrop, the organisation said it is necessary to examine whether personnel being deployed in Manipur have received adequate training in International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL).
The group argued that such training is essential to ensure the protection of civilians during security operations, particularly women, children, elderly persons and other vulnerable sections of society.
The statement further noted that several parts of Manipur continue to remain under the purview of AFSPA. It also referred to Section 43A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which grants extensive powers to security agencies, including powers of arrest and search.
According to YFPHR, the operation of these legal provisions has long generated concerns regarding the protection of fundamental rights and civil liberties.
While acknowledging that the deployment of special forces may be viewed as a measure to restore law and order, the organisation urged authorities to ensure strict compliance with India's constitutional obligations as well as its commitments under the Charter of the United Nations, International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law.
The forum also called upon the Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force and other relevant authorities to adopt measures aimed at preventing human rights violations during security operations.
YFPHR said civilian safety, dignity and protection must remain a priority throughout any operation carried out in Manipur and stressed the need for effective accountability mechanisms to address any allegations of misconduct.
